By Gynna Bella. Cover image by Anano Esartia.
The Cannes Film Festival is back, and with its 78th edition comes a wave of anticipation. This prestigious, invite-only event not only marks the return of some of our favourite directors but also highlights exciting directorial debuts from familiar names. From long-awaited passion projects to bold new visions, here are the films we can’t wait to see on the big screen.
Cannes 2025: 6 Films We Can’t Wait to Watch on the Big Screen
Cannes 2025 Films: Urchin by Harris Dickinson
You read it right. Last year, Harris Dickinson enchanted us (and Nicole Kidman) with his performance in Babygirl (2024) as a charming, young employee with a darker, dominant streak. This year, he is stepping behind the camera for the first time with his film, Urchin. Written by Dickinson himself, the story follows a drifter named Mike (played by Frank Dillane) on a path of self-destruction through the streets of London. In a previous interview, the British actor-turned-director mentioned that the film touches on topics of mental health and explores how the failure of the welfare system affects people who “fall between the cracks”. The film will compete in the Un Certain Regard section, which is traditionally reserved for fresh, revolutionary ideas in cinema.
Cannes 2025 Films: Eleanor the Great by Scarlett Johansson
Aside from starring in another film premiering at Cannes (Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme), Scarlett Johansson is making her directorial debut this year with a female-led film titled “Eleanor,” which tells the story of a 90-year-old woman making a fresh start in New York City after the death of her best friend. The film features Oscar-nominated actress June Squibb in lead role, alongside Erin Kellyman, a fellow Marvel Cinematic Universe actress, and Broadway veteran Jessica Hecht. The film will also premiere under the category of Un Certain Regard.
The Chronology of Water by Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, is a long-held passion project. In an interview early last year, she revealed that she even swore off other projects until the film was completed. Based on the memoir by author Lidia Yuknavitch, the film explores girlhood and what it means to be a woman and a creative individual. Starring Imogen Poots, the film will finally premiere under Un Certain Regard category, seven years after Stewart announced her intention to adapt the memoir during the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
Cannes 2025 Films: The Phoenician Scheme by Wes Anderson
Our favourite whimsical director, Wes Anderson, is coming back with a new film, The Phoenician Scheme, to compete for the Palme d’Or in the main competition. In keeping with his signature style, the film boasts a star-studded cast and unforgettable, iconic cinematography. It is, again, co-written by Roman Coppola, marking their continued collaboration since Darjeeling Limited (2007). The released trailer reveals that the film features Benicio del Toro as a billionaire who survives multiple plane crashes. He plans to make his estranged daughter, a nun played by Mia Threapleton, as the sole heir to his estate instead of his nine other sons. Together, they embark on a comedy-filled, action-packed journey with a preppy, nerdy character played by Michael Cera as they strive to save his multi-billion-dollar business.
New Wave by Richard Linklater
Another contender for the Palme d’Or is American indie filmmaker Richard Linklater with his highly anticipated French film Nouvelle Vague (or New Wave), which follows the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s 1959 film, A Bout de Souffle. While there aren’t many sneak peeks, rumours suggest that the film is ambitiously shot in black and white, with the same ratio as A Bout de Souffle, and features Guillaume Marbeck as Jean-Luc Godard himself.
Eddington by Ari Aster
The beloved horror director is now proposing a star-studded, contemporary Western political drama as a contender for the Palme d’Or. Backed by the studio A24, the film will mark Aster’s first complete departure from the horror genre. While the details have been kept under wraps, with only a one-minute teaser available on YouTube, the cast is impressive. Aster has Joaquin Phoenix portraying a stern sheriff and Pedro Pascal playing a small-town mayor in the midst of the COVID Pandemic. Additionally, Austin Butler and Emma Stone appeared in the teaser, hinting at the political chaos that is yet to unfold.
Now, are you as excited as we are about this moment in cinema history? Whether it is a debut or the 10th feature from a director, we wish all filmmakers good luck. We hope to be on the edge of our seats, eagerly waiting for these films to arrive in theatres.
